You have the right in all 50 states to freeze credit reports. You can either freeze your credit report, as well as that of your spouse, parent, child, or any other incapacitated individual. Visit the Equifax site to learn how you can get started. They will advise you on which laws are in effect in your state. Then they will take you step-by-step through the process.
In all 50 States, you can free-frozen your credit reports
Free credit freezes are a great way to protect yourself from identity theft. While free credit freezes can be set up quickly, each credit bureau will require you to sign up separately. Visit their websites to register your name, address and social security number. You can also submit your request in writing or by phone. You may be asked to give your previous address by credit bureaus if you've lived at the current address for less that two years.
You can freeze your credit report for a spouse, child, parent or incapacitated adult
The first step to freezing your credit report is to notify the credit agencies that you want it to be frozen. This can be done either online or over the phone. The freeze will last for three business days, but if you need to lift it earlier, you can request it by mail. Credit reports will be available to new creditors after the freeze is lifted.
For incapacitated adults or children, you can freeze credit reports
You can freeze credit reports if you are concerned about your child or an incapacitated person securing credit cards. You can do it online or by calling. However, if you're worried about someone else seeing your child's information, you should do it through a credit freeze company. Federal law requires these agencies to place a freeze within one business day, and you can request that they lift the freeze within a certain amount of time.
For a spouse, you can freeze credit reports
Freezing a credit report for a spouse is a good way to protect yourself from financial abuse. A credit freeze is an excellent way to stop your ex-spouse opening new accounts in you name if you have separated. Credit freezes can be applied for in many ways.
For the benefit of a relative who has died, you can freeze your credit reports
Dealing with financial affairs after the death of a loved one can be very difficult. It is vital to complete this process quickly, because the deceased's finances may have lasting effects on the surviving relatives. The estate administration process is much easier if you ask for a credit freeze to be placed on the credit report of a loved one. This can prevent fraudulent activity from happening and allow the estate administrator to examine all accounts.
For a child, you can freeze your credit reports
When you want to protect your child's credit, you can freeze their credit report. A child can permanently lift their credit report freeze online. For your child's safety, make sure you have their password and personal identification number so you can access it in the event of an emergency.
You can freeze your credit report for a parent
The best way to guard against identity theft is to freeze a child’s credit report. All three major credit agencies can issue freezes to parents. These bureaus will not have access to your child's credit reports, but will not allow you to view it. Parents should prepare their children for the transition by teaching them good credit monitoring habits and other ways to protect themselves from identity theft. Take the time to think through all of the possibilities and figure out what you can do. It's important to remember passwords, PINs and other information for your child’s accounts. In an emergency, the password or PIN can be given to your child.